Authorities in Australia are searching for a 63-year-old swimmer who is presumed dead after a shark attack at a popular beach, with orders issued to destroy the animal
A shark is set to be “destroyed” after a horrific beach attack that left a 63-year-old swimmer dead. Emergency crews rushed to Sorrento beach in Perth, Western Australia (WA), at 10.15am local time on Friday after the sea beast mauled two swimmers just 15 metres from the shore.
One man vanished underwater during the bloodbath and has not been seen since, triggering a massive police search for his body. Cops have now tragically confirmed they believe the missing man is dead.
A WA Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “The 63-year-old male swimmer has not been located. Police conducted a search of the shoreline this morning (Saturday).
“A WA Police Force Water Police vessel will remain in the area today, weather permitting. Beaches in the area remain closed.”
It is understood the victim was a local surf club member out in the water with a friend when the underwater killer struck, reports the Express.
Horrified onlookers recalled the terrifying Friday morning scene as the drama unfolded.
“I was sitting here looking out the ocean and saw a splash, and then a guy came and saw me and said, ‘Shark, shark’,” a witness named only as Darrel told 9News.
“I feel for his mate, he’s apologising, he said, ‘I couldn’t save my mate’. I said, ‘You couldn’t have done anything.’ I don’t really know how to put it into words, it’s just a shocking thing.”
The WA government has now issued an order to destroy the shark responsible.
Shark experts have been called in to track down the offending animal, with aircraft from the Police Air Wing deployed.
Vessels from WA Water Police and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) from the state government have also been sent out.
A great white shark has been spotted in the vicinity of the attack from aeroplanes circling the beach, but it is not known if that is the animal which killed the swimmer.